ABSTRACT
Routine assessment of all patients with pneumonia includes observation of the following points: • temperature; • pulse rate; • blood pressure; • oxygen status, either using oximetry or measuring blood gases
(preferable); • measurement of respiratory function with peak flow or spirometry; • blood count to include white cell count, urea and electrolytes; • blood cultures; • sputum culture to include tuberculosis; • plain PA chest X-ray – usually shows area of infection – some causes of
pneumonia show cavities (see figures 5.2 and 5.3); • antibodies for mycoplasma and legionella; • viral studies may also be performed. In 50% of cases, no cause is ever identified.
